Wow. It's been a while.
When I went to write about my latest run I discovered I couldn't even remember the location of my own blog... Ugghhh. Yeah. It's been too long.
Sooo... now you might have guessed my New Year's Resolution - to get back into running. That being said, here we go!
This was an inaugural race. I actually registered for it in 2019 and it was cancelled, presumably for low participation and planning details. Thus, I got a deferment until 2020.
SWAG: There was a goodie bag, lots of neat items included - a wooden bottle opener for one and a free day pass for the Lynx Train (CATS Pass app, promo code).
SHIRT: Long sleeve cotton, light blue color, white lettering, logo on front, sponsors on back.
CHIP TIMING: While there were bib chips for this race, it appeared the results were all gun time as there was not a start mat only a 5K split mat and a finish mat.
COURSE: Flat. Very Flat. It begins at the Old Concord Rd Lynx Rail Station (right next to the Eastway and N Tryon St intersection) and is a straight line to the IHOP at WT Harris and N Tryon. If you are familiar with Charlotte, the majority of this area is commercial - specifically - closed commercial. Many business have moved, relocated or stopped doing business altogether, and some properties are not maintained for that reason. It was not a bad route, per se, police had closed off an entire lane from beginning to end BUT it had challenges. Not an out and back - one way route, thus the CATS pass for those parked at the START line (Old Concord Rd Lynx Station had free parking for the day). It was not a 5K distance, it was actually 3.5 miles PLUS the walking distance to either of the LYNX stations near the Finish Line (McCollough and JW Clay). Lynx was on a Sunday schedule due to the holiday so trains ran every 30 minutes.
POST RACE: For an inaugural, post race was perfect! Typical runner's gourmet - bananas, protein bars, water, oranges, muffins, etc. There was catering - pancakes and hot chocolate - music, a VIP tent (for those that registered) and S2F did not disappoint with instant printouts of your race results!
AWARDS: While I did not stay for awards, I know they were standard; overall, top three age group.
NOTES: I would run this one again, the start time (10 AM) was perfect for New Year's Day. Temps were good. Lots of police protection, very little traffic and a flat course. I do hope the race directors up their game on the shirts in the future. A Holiday race deserves a commemorative shirt that can be worn multiple times (my .02) with the preferred technical material for workouts and future races.
Much gratitude to the volunteers, the police effort, the sponsors/directors/organizers and to S2F for a lovely morning to start the New Year!
